These
artists expanded the historically limited definition of thesculptural
object through an elevation of non-traditional media and a rebellion
against the accepted canon.Unorthodox construction, diverse pairings
and alternative materials blurred the conventional distinctionbetween
aesthetic and utilitarian forms, opening the floodgates for limitless
appropriation and giving riseto a dynamic new formal
vocabulary.Referencing Marcel Duchamp’s infamous ready-mades, artists
such as Marcel Broodthaers, GiulioPaolini, Jean Tinguely and Joseph
Beuys bucked tradition through the re-contextualization and display
ofrecognizable objects. Broodthaers’ wall piece, Moule, presents a
dense group of empty mussel shellsaffixed to board, and Paolini’s
Intervallo (Torsi) divides the classical plaster cast of a figure
whichemerges from opposing walls. Disparate mechanical parts appear
functional in Tinguely’s ultimatelyimpractical floor and wall
sculptures, and Joseph Beuys’ Fluxusobjekt is a grouping of
intentionallyarbitrary elements such as a cardboard box, fat, oil, a
rubber ring, and a child’s toy.

By removingordinary
items from their familiar context, these artists often use humorous
presentation and language tohighlight the artistic potential that lies
within the objects around us.Other artists employed everyday items to
address existential notions of mortality. Dieter Roth’sMotorcycle
Driver’s Misfortune reflects this somber perspective through the
implied demise of the titularcharacter and the decaying composition of
the organic materials that make up the work itself. Similarly, Martin
Kippenberger’s Baby Püppi uses dark humor to address issues of
mortality and artistic legacy.

The absurd
juxtaposition of a baby stroller and a bronze cast of a pig leg in
place of a child elevates thesculpture to an object of high art and, in
a literal replacement of progeny, suggests that his artwork is
hislasting contribution to humanity.

For
further information, please contact the gallery at (212) 206.9100 or
kristen@luhringaugustine.com.View Site : www.luhringaugustine.com